At Home and Alternative Remedies for Anxiety

Christine Bude Nyholm
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress which just about everybody experiences on occasion. Anxiety can become a serious condition, causing dread of everyday situations and can become disabling, such as in a panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Alternative and home remedies may help alleviate mild cases of anxiety.

Home remedies that may relieve anxiety include exercise, magnesium supplements, nutrition, avoiding alcohol, getting adequate sleep, herbal tea aromatherapy and acupressure.

Healthy nutrition provides the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your body healthy. Nutrition tips help relieve anxiety include avoiding fatty foods, sugary and processed foods. Foods that should be included in the diet include foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and B Vitamins. Food that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids include fatty fish, vegetable oils, flax seed and walnuts. Some good sources of B Vitamins include dairy products, meats, vegetables and nuts.

Avoid alcohol and sedatives, which may seem like they are easing anxiety temporarily, but can aggravate anxiety overall. In addition, alcohol can wash Vitamin B from the system.

Magnesium supplements can be helpful, especially if you get muscle spasms. Take no more than 300 mg. Three times a day, as too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.

Relaxation techniques can help take your focus off of the source of worry and anxiety. Visualization, yoga and meditation are some of the relaxation techniques that can help easy anxiety.

Sleep is important for general health and for the mind. Make a good nights sleep a priority. If you cannot get adequate sleep, see a doctor.

Exercise daily, because exercise is a powerful stress reliever. A regular routine of activity can improve your mood. In addition to relieving anxiety, exercise is good for circulation, tones muscle and can help you to lose weight.

Acupressure points that you can press yourself may help to relieve anxiety. One point that may help relieve anxiety caused by sleep loss is called the Heart 7, which is located on the crease of the inside of the wrist, in line with the little finger. A point that may help to reduce anxiety is the Pericardium 6, which is in the center of the inner wrist, two finger widths below the crease. Put firm, but not painful, pressure on the point and massage lightly several times a day.

Aromatherapy can relieve stress. Beneficial essential oils include lavender and camomile. You can take a warm bath with a few drops of lavender oil to enjoy the beneficial aroma of the lavender.

Herbs may have a soothing effect. Try relaxing with a cup of herbal tea, such as camomile tea.

Home remedies may be adequate to soothe the system and relieve anxiety. If your anxiety is severe and persistent, please see a doctor for diagnoses and recommendations.

Information is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about a medical condition, please consult a physician.

Resources:
Web MD
NIH
The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Convention and Alternative Treatments - Time Life

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Published by Christine Bude Nyholm

With over 5 million pages views Christine is one of the top 100 AC Contributors and Won Best of AC for Winter Travel Guides in 2008 and Best of Alternative Health in 2009. Christine's article Shop Around for...  View profile

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